Understanding Botanical Author Citations (e.g., "L.")

What Does "L." Mean After a Plant Name?

The abbreviation L. stands for Linnaeus (Carl Linnaeus), the father of modern binomial nomenclature. It indicates he was the first to formally describe and name the species.

Key Points

• Author citations are capitalized but not italicized.
• Hundreds of author abbreviations exist (e.g., "Michx." for André Michaux).
• They provide taxonomic accountability and history.

Example: Quercus alba L. — white oak, named by Linnaeus.